Freezin’ For A Reason! Clarion County Special Olympics Polar Plunge Fundraiser To Be Held On Friday, February 20th
(Clarion County Special Olympics Release)
On Friday, February 20, 2026, Clarion County will be Freezin’ for a Reason! PennWest Clarion will be hosting the Special Olympics 1st annual Polar Plunge FUNdraising event. The plunge is a thrilling event where participants will be Bold and Get Cold by taking a frosty dip in Bear Force One plunge unit. Bear Force One is a custom-built Mobile Plunge Unit that brings a plunge experience to thousands across PA. Bear Force One weighs 27,600 pounds when filled with 2,100 gallons of ice-cold water. It’s four and half feet deep. This is the perfect way to engage the community around a fun, inclusive and unforgettable activity – all while raising money for 15,301 Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes throughout the state!
The Polar Plunge is Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s biggest fundraiser – with more than 50 plunges with thousands of participants jumping in around the state. Plunging is not only FUN but it raises money for a great cause! Every plunge helps the Special Olympics Pennsylvania provide more than sports, health, and leadership opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Clarion County and around the state.
After a significant decline in participation during COVID, Special Olympics Clarion County has experienced tremendous growth under the leadership of Team Lead Emily Brent and coaches Tanya Brooks and Jimmy Smathers. The program now offers year-round training and competition in volleyball, bowling, powerlifting, golf, and basketball. Athletes train locally for 8–10 weeks and advance to sectional, regional, and statewide competitions, with opportunities for national and international events as well.
Diane Sickles, Development Director for the region, shared her excitement about the program’s revival, noting the impressive number of activities and opportunities available to athletes throughout the county. She also highlighted that Clarion, Keystone, Redbank Valley, and AC Valley High Schools are Unified Champion Schools, offering fully inclusive high school sports programs.
Special Olympics athletes in Clarion County are active members of the community—they participate in the Kiwanis Aktion Club, enjoy group dinners, hold fundraising events, decorate Christmas trees, and take part in local parades. Diane expressed deep gratitude for Emily, Tanya, Jimmy, and the many volunteers whose dedication brings joy, inclusion, and opportunity to the athletes.
Bundle up, be bold, and take the plunge—your support makes a difference!
For more information about the Special Olympics visit www.specialolympicspa.org or contact Emily Brent at emmy_1296@yahoo.com . To register for the plunge visit //give.specialolympicspa.org/Clarion-Plunge or scan